Poncha Springs represents the diversity and richness of the Old West. Nestled in a valley
surrounded by the scenic San Isabel National Forest, the Town of Poncha Springs calls itself the
"Crossroads of the Rockies." With abundant hot springs (99 nearby) and the influence of the
Spanish culture in the area, the community site originally became known as Poncho (meaning cape
and warmth) Springs. In 1924 that the town officially was renamed Poncha Springs.
Many historic buildings from days long gone still stand in Poncha Springs... buildings like the
famous Jackson Hotel built in 1876, the first cabin owned by Nat Rich and Bob Hendricks was built
about 1860 and still stands today, and the original school house built in 1883 also still stands.
The town was a busy stage center in the 1870's, and visitors usually stopped long enough to either
see the steaming springs or take mineral baths. In 1927 a pipe was built from the springs by
the City of Salida to access the hot water for the Salida Hot Springs Pool (which was just recently
remodeled).
But Poncha Springs is not just a history site. It's progressive and well organized attitude
towards both tourists and visitors, as well it's aggressive position towards the encouragement of
business relocation is clearly demonstrated by the development of the Poncha Springs Industrial
Park along with the Poncha Springs Trails Plan, the Poncha Loop, the Mailbox Trail and the River Trail.
Whether it's a flare for enjoying the history of the Arkansas Valley and the many hiking trails
and tourist attractions, or your desire to relocate to the area, Poncha Springs is definitely a "must-visit."
Poncha Springs represents the diversity and richness of the Old West. Nestled in a valley
surrounded by the scenic San Isabel National Forest, the Town of Poncha Springs calls itself the
"Crossroads of the Rockies." With abundant hot springs (99 nearby) and the influence of the
Spanish culture in the area, the community site originally became known as Poncho (meaning cape
and warmth) Springs. In 1924 that the town officially was renamed Poncha Springs.
Many historic buildings from days long gone still stand in Poncha Springs... buildings like the
famous Jackson Hotel built in 1876, the first cabin owned by Nat Rich and Bob Hendricks was built
about 1860 and still stands today, and the original school house built in 1883 also still stands.
The town was a busy stage center in the 1870's, and visitors usually stopped long enough to either
see the steaming springs or take mineral baths. In 1927 a pipe was built from the springs by
the City of Salida to access the hot water for the Salida Hot Springs Pool (which was just recently
remodeled).
But Poncha Springs is not just a history site. It's progressive and well organized attitude
towards both tourists and visitors, as well it's aggressive position towards the encouragement of
business relocation is clearly demonstrated by the development of the Poncha Springs Industrial
Park along with the Poncha Springs Trails Plan, the Poncha Loop, the Mailbox Trail and the River Trail.